Mascom improves cycling race deal to P223,000

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday November 10, 2017 14:31

 

The race, organised by Tsela Riders Cycling Club is scheduled for December 3 at the Airport Junction Mall. Mascom previously sponsored the competition for P185,000. Speaking during the sponsorship launch, acting Mascom chief executive officer (CEO), Onkutule Masima said his company has partnered with Tsela Riders since 2015. He said ever since, the management and coordination of the event has improved. Masima said even interest in the event has also increased.

“It is an improvement of P185,000 from last year’s sponsorship. We hope this sponsorship would assist Tsela Riders to have a world class event. As the title sponsor, our mandate is to grow participation in cycling and provide a platform for cyclists to challenge themselves in the available categories,” he said.

The cycle challenge has the main race, which is the 110km race, targeted at advanced cyclists, the 60km ride for intermediary riders and the 30km fun ride. Masima said last year, 200 cyclists participated, while this year’s target is 300. He said this year Mascom is introducing the yellow jersey for podium finishers, as it is international practice. Meanwhile, Masima told Mmegi Sport on the sidelines of the launch, that the sponsorship is a partnership. Masima said Tsela want their cyclists to participate and as Mascom they want the money they have put in to work for the community and to work for them as a brand.

“There is a very strict process that happens in organising sport events. Tsela Riders is doing well hence we continue to support them. We are able to get value and there are more Batswana who are likely to become our customers coming onboard,” Masima said.

Botswana Cycling Association (BCA) president, Mmetla Masire said for the sport to grow, it is possible if clubs and events such as Mascom Cycle Challenge are successful. He said such events attract riders from the region especially from South Africa and Zimbabwe. He said that is an opportunity to compete and benchmark from them.

National mountain bike and road race champion, Bakang Ebodile, meanwhile, said she is preparing for the race. She said the 110km race is nothing much and she expects a podium finish.

“I have an online coach who is based in Austria. He sends me a training programme that I stick to and after each race I send him the results. So far I am happy with my performance,” she said.